Appalachian State University's Department of Biology invites students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends to its 2026 Research Day on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Tentative Schedule
Time | Location | Activity |
8 a.m. - 9 a.m. | Rankin Science South 210 | Poster Session Check-In and Set-Up |
9 a.m. - 10 a.m. | Rankin Science South Atrium | Poster Session 1 |
10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. | Rankin Science West 158 | Oral Presentations |
10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. | Rankin Science South Atrium | Poster Session 2 |
12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Rankin Science West 183 | Alumni Award Symposium featuring Keynote Address by Fern Perkins ’04 ’09 |
2 p.m. - 3 p.m. | Rankin Science West 183 | Senior Awards Ceremony |
3 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Rankin Science South 210 | Senior Awards and Research Day Reception |
4 p.m. - 7 p.m. | Fizz Ed (260 Howard Street in Boone) | Retirement Celebration for Dr. Howie Neufeld |
Was Dr. Neufeld your instructor or mentor? Please submit your memories with Dr. Neufeld using our online form!
RSVP
We hope that alumni and friends of the department can join us for the day's activities. Please let us know you're coming by completing our online RSVP form.
Parking
Visitor parking is available in the Rivers Street Parking Deck for vehicles registered with the ParkMobile app. Learn more at parking.appstate.edu/visitor-parking.
About the Keynote Speaker: Fern Perkins ’04 ’09
Fern Perkins ’04 ’09, executive director of the Monteverde Institute, is the recipient of the 2026 Biology Impact and Outreach Alumni Award.
Fern's lifelong love for nature began in the forests and streams of the Carolinas, where curiosity and exploration with friends shaped her early years. That same spirit continues today in Monteverde, Costa Rica, where she lives, learns, and explores alongside her twins. Fern’s non-traditional academic journey led her to Appalachian State University, where she completed undergraduate degrees in Ecology and Environmental Biology, and Spanish, followed by a Master of Science in Biology under the mentorship of Dr. Howie Neufeld.
During her time in Boone, Fern conducted research and discovered a passion for teaching through her work at Appalachian State and Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute. She went on to design and lead international academic programs in Costa Rica from 2011 to 2014, strengthening cross-cultural education and collaboration, and deepening her commitment to community-building.
Fern’s leadership at the Monteverde Institute began as head of the academic department and evolved into her current role as Executive Director in 2021. In this capacity, she advances the Institute’s mission to promote social, ecological, and economic sustainability by integrating community initiatives with education, research and conservation. She has also played a key role in fostering enduring partnerships locally, co-founding the CORCLIMA climate resilience commission and the Monteverde Conservation Collective, and internationally, between universities like Appalachian State and the Monteverde Institute to offer meaningful opportunities for students, faculty, and researchers.